Story by Violetta Latham, KN2P.
***
Over six years ago a group of young operators (average age of 16) gathered at superstation K3LR for 48 hours of extreme caffeine levels and high adrenaline otherwise known as CQ WPX SSB Contest weekend. Although we came from different backgrounds and locations, we had one common goal—to earn our spot as youth contesters in a niche of ham radio where the average age is currently 64.
There is a saying that “old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance.” Not only did we want to prove this wrong, but in doing so, also inspire other young operators to organize similar events and lower the average age of contest participants.
Our team featured outstanding youth operators, with a mix of both up-and-coming contesters, like myself, along with well-experienced and notably accomplished young people.
Bryant, KG5HVO, and Tomi, HA8RT, both competed on separate youth teams at the WRTC 2018 from Germany. Marty, NN1C, and KG5HVO, were recipients of the Newsline Young Ham of the Year Award in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Levi, K6JO, contributed valuable expertise from his experiences operating at ZF1A in the Cayman Islands and NX6T in California.
I had met David, VE7NW (prev. VE7DZO), a highly skilled CW operator, in July of 2018 during the Dave Kalter Memorial Youth DX Adventure at PJ2T. This had been my first experience not only at a station of that size and complexity, but also being a part of a team-style operation of any kind. This is where the idea for Team Exuberance started to form. I wanted to re-create the aspect of an all-youth team, but in a contest operation.
I approached Tim Duffy, K3LR, with my idea and vision, and he immediately agreed to host and supervise the operation. I started reaching out to friends who, in turn, reached out to their friends, and the team slowly began to take shape. We launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover all of the youth operators’ expenses, making it accessible to everyone with no financial burden. Marty, NN1C, took charge of the logistics, and DX Engineering’s Teri, K8MNJ, played a crucial role in organizing and preparing everything in detail.
The weekend started out at DX Engineering with a tour, presentations, introductions, and lunch with the staff. Prior to the contest start at 0000Z, everyone took turns getting familiar with the equipment at the station. Then we were off! The adrenaline and energy were high in the room throughout the entire 48 hours. Even though every contact was made by one of the youth, Tim, K3LR, and Tim, W3YQ, were there to coach and advise us. The three parents who were present to support their young people regularly took turns refilling the coffee pot.
Even though this was the first time K3LR entered the CQ WPX SSB Contest and the first time we worked as a team, it was a huge success and we exceeded our goal! We logged almost 6,000 contacts with a score over 22 million, finishing in first place in North America and fourth place worldwide. Our raw claimed score was a new W3 record for M/2.
This was not merely a success just in numbers. We all gained an incredible amount of knowledge, skill, and team dynamics experience. The camaraderie and new friendships that formed were a highlight of the weekend.
I strongly encourage all young contesters to consider ways to collaborate and represent youth in the contesting world. I have found that many hams are aware of the need for young operators and very willing to help however they can. Just bring your ideas and ask them!
Another team will be representing youth contesters this year for the 2025 CQ WW SSB contest on Oct. 25-26 at the PJ2T Signal Point station in Curacao. We will be entering in the M/M category with an average age of 22! Stay tuned for the upcoming OnAllBands article with a closer look into the team and event.
North Cook Islands E51MWA October 2025 DXpedition
A few months ago, I was invited to join a group of operators from the Western Washington DX Club on their DXpedition to Manihiki, located in the South Pacific. Besides myself, the team includes Rob, N7QT; Robin, WA7CPA; Jack, N7JP; Brian, N9ADG; and James, KC7EFP. This team activated Palau (T88WA) in 2022 and the Solomon Islands (H44WA) in 2023.
We will be active around the clock on Manihiki Oct. 9-20 on CW, SSB, and FT8. On the operating schedule, Robin and I will be paired together to represent YLs as a powerful duo. We will be using K3s, directional verticals, and FlexRadio and Elecraft amplifiers. For our operating and QSL information, please visit the E51MWA website. Although I have travelled internationally for contest operations at established stations, this will be my first DXpedition. Every team member is included in making all of the decisions: planning, equipment packings lists, operating schedule, etc.
Being involved in each stage of the financial planning and preparation has been incredibly insightful and a great learning experience. Thank you to DX Engineering for being a supporter of this activation and providing connectors and coax for our equipment. At the completion of the DXpedition, I will travel directly to Curacao to join up with the youth contesting team at PJ2T.
